If you tendto observe your
friends, family members, or
relatives, you may notice differences
in the way they see, observe,
perceive, or even do things.
Individual differences are one of
those interesting facets of
humans. Many Psychologists and
researchers have attributed
Intelligence as one of the many
factors that contribute to the
differences among individuals.
There have always been estimations
and statistics in knowing the high IQ
people in the world from Albert
Einstein to Leonardo Da Vinci to
Stephen Hawking; the curiosity and
enthusiasm to learn and
understand them has recently
increased. There have been theories
and conceptualizations made by
many theorists and researchers
around the world. Before we get to
learn about the
theories, we will understand first-
hand the meaning of Intelligence.
Intelligenc
e
is the capacity to
uncover
opportunities in every challenge
and
paint the canvas of life with strokes
of
abilities. According
to
Learner
Dictionary,
innovation
and the
Oxford
Intelligence is
the ability to
learn,
understand, and think logically
about things; the ability to do this
well. There are so many definitions
of Intelligence. Of all, the one that is
accepted globally is Weschler’s
definition of Intelligence:
“Aggregate global capacity of a
n
individual to think rationally, act
purposefully, and deal effectively
with
the
environment”.
Robert Jeffery
Sternberg
- a psychologist from
Yale University, was born on
December 8, 1949.
- He’s well-known for helping
us understand intelligence
better. He came up with the
Triarchic Theory of Intelligence.
- According to him, intelligence
isthe ability to learn
from
experience, think well,
remember
important things, and
handle
everyday life. His ideas
have
helped us see intelligence
more
completely
.
This theory stipulates that Intelligence
is composed of three distinct
and interrelated aspects which is
why it is called a Triarchic theory.
The three aspects
include
Componential or Analytical
Intelligence - refers to the
analysis of information to
solve
problems. It could be
emphasized as the ability
to
break down the problem
into
components and analyse
things
for problem-solving. It is more
of
a traditional approach that
relates to academic
achievement.
1.
It is also called book
smart.
Example
:
Solving a complex
mathematical
proble
m
- a student facing
a
problem in a
mathematical
problem, instead of solving
it
immediately, breaks it
into
smaller parts, identifies
patterns,
and applies a systematic
approach, this way or
approach
is because of
Analytical
intelligence
.
1.1 Meta-
component
-
the
executive part that
controls
cognitive processing
and
performanc
e
1.2 Performance
component
- the one that
involves performing a
task or an
activity
1.3 Knowledge
component-
the one mean
t
for the
Acquisitio
n
of knowledg
e
and ways used to
acquire
the
m
Experiential or
Creative
Intelligenc
e
- refers to the
one
that involves using past
experiences creatively to
solve
novel or unique problems.
This
involves engaging in
divergent
thinking- creatively
solving
2.
problem
s
.
2.
Example: Creating apiece of art-
X,
when faced with unique problems
on
woodwork, relies on her years of
hands-
on experience, and navigates
optimal
approach and craft without
instructions.
This is what we call Creative
Intelligence.
Experiential Intelligence
has two components:
2.1 Automatio
n
- the one
that
requires not much
attention,
effort,
or
information
somethin
g
energy.
This processing
is that
flows
automatically
.
2.2 Novelt
y
- unique or new
processing which is much parallel
to
Automation. This involves coming
up
with new and novel
ideas.
.
3. Contextual or Practical
Intelligence-
refers to the intelligence that is
intertwined with the individual’s
environment. The ability to adapt
to
one’s environment, and shape the
environment to the best fit of
individual
This one involves the capability of
an
individual to use his or her ability
to
function efficiently in life. This one
is
called street
smart.
Example:Successfully managing a
team
- During arguments, Mr. M uses
his
Contextual or practical skills
of
communication style, and adjustin
g
them with the cultural norm has
gained
her international clients concerning
her
business
.
The
components
of Contextual
Intelligence
include:
3.1 Adaptation
-
making adjustments to
the
new
environment
3.2 Shapin
g
–
shaping one’s
environmen
t
according to
the
needs
and
requirement
s
Selectio
n
3.3 –
completely
change
one’s older environment with
the
new effective
one
Triarchic theory has found its
application in various domains:
Education: this
would help
teachers to design
instructional approaches
based on the cognitive
needs of the students.
Assessment:development
of various tools
and techniques
based on analytical, creative,
and contextual aspects of
an individual which would
help in providing a more
comprehensive profile.
Career Assessment: to
assess the individual’s
professional aspect and guide
them through proper
alignment.
Research: this theory has led
to many new theories
and conceptualizations.
Interventions: this theory
has helped many therapists
in
formulating many strategies
for
coping with many
cognitive challenges.
In conclusion, Sternberg’s
Triarchic Theory illuminates
intelligence through analytical,
creative, and practical
dimensions. Despite criticisms, it
finds application in education,
assessment, and therapeutic
interventions.